Environmental education programmes: the most effective tool for protecting the sea

Protecting the marine environment is no longer a strategic choice: it is a shared responsibility. In this context, marinas and sailing clubs play a particularly important role, not only as infrastructure managers but also as active agents in raising awareness. Of all the tools available, environmental education stands out as the most effective in the long term. It does not merely address the present; rather, it builds a sustainable relationship between people and the sea from the ground up: through knowledge.

Environmental education helps to transform perceptions of the marine environment. When young people understand ecosystems, identify threats — such as pollution, climate change or biodiversity loss — and grasp the impact of their own habits, real change takes place. This approach has a strong social component, as it involves the local community and brings places such as marinas closer to new audiences who would otherwise find it difficult to gain direct access to this reality.

More and more marinas are incorporating this vision as a key element of their sustainability strategy. Going beyond standard environmental management, the aim is to make an impact through education, providing real-life experiences that connect young people with the sea from the inside out.

A notable example is Setmana Blava, an initiative promoted by the Government of the Balearic Islands and organised in collaboration with the Balearic Islands’ sailing and canoeing federations. During this event, nearly 6,000 primary school pupils from 100 schools across our islands take part in water sports activities combined with talks and environmental visits to marinas and sailing clubs on our islands. The aim is twofold: to introduce pupils to the world of sailing and, at the same time, to foster a culture of respect for the marine environment.

This initiative is complemented by others carried out by many marinas as part of their sustainability strategy, such as environmental education programmes, school visits, talks, workshops, and beach or seabed clean-ups. Many of these activities are carried out in collaboration with organisations and foundations specialising in marine conservation and wildlife programmes, resulting in experiences that not only raise awareness but also foster active involvement.

This approach demonstrates that sustainability in a modern marina goes beyond waste management or energy efficiency. It has an educational and social dimension that is essential to ensuring a lasting impact. Educating the younger generations means investing in a future where respect for the sea is the norm, not the exception.

In short, environmental education programmes are not merely a supplementary measure, but a strategic tool. They represent a clear commitment to an open, responsible port model that is committed to its local environment. Because protecting the sea always begins with learning about it.